Meet Our Coaches & Trainers

Coach Omar is the Head of East Coast Athletics Player Development program as well as the OSIX Athletics Showcase Teams (15U and above) designed for athletes looking to play at the high school and college level.

Omar Artsen is a dedicated and passionate baseball coach with a remarkable journey that has shaped him into the mentor he is today. He is the Founder of OSIX Athletics, which has a home at East Coast. Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Omar developed a love for baseball at a later age, starting his competitive journey at 15. Despite the late start, his commitment and work ethic propelled him to achieve extraordinary heights in college, earning the titles of All-American and Conference Player of the Year.

After facing the challenge of going undrafted, Omar ventured into finance, where he discovered parallels between finance and the team spirit of baseball. He decided to reignite his baseball career and joined the professional team Santa Fe Fuegos in the Pecos League. Omar seamlessly adapted to the professional level, becoming the League's MVP and stolen base leader, leading the Fuegos to a championship victory.

Omar's exceptional performance caught the attention of Major League Baseball teams, and he went on to play in the highly competitive Atlantic League with the Lexington Legends, clinching another championship title. Throughout his nine-year professional career, Omar honed his ability to analyze and dissect a player's swing through studying film to enhance his own performance.

Omar transitioned into coaching during the offseason, quickly gaining recognition for his prowess. His coaching focuses on players of all ages and skill levels, with satisfied parents and ecstatic children attesting to his ability to impart invaluable knowledge of the game. While Omar excelled as a player, his true calling is sharing his profound understanding and passion for the game with aspiring athletes. As a personal baseball coach, Omar not only helps improve skills but also fosters a deep appreciation for the sport. Join him on an exciting journey to take your baseball game to the next level.

Rafael Rigueiro was born and raised in Riverside, California, to parents Hector and Enedina. Growing up in Riverside, he attended J.W. North High School, where he honed his skills on the baseball diamond. After graduating, Rafael pursued interpreting and linguistics at Riverside City College.

Rafael attended both OU and SNU to major in Interpreting/Linguistics. However, in 1998 Rafael was drafted by the Florida Marlins in the 33rd round, marking the beginning of his professional baseball career.

Despite facing setbacks due to injuries, including Tommy John surgery in 2005, Rafael remained resilient. He was drafted again in 2000, this time by the San Francisco Giants in the 17th round. He spent four years in the Giants' minor league system, showcasing his pitching prowess and earning recognition for his stellar performances.

Throughout his baseball journey, Rafael accumulated invaluable experience, both as a player and as a coach. Despite his injuries, he continued to share his passion and knowledge of baseball through 15 years on instruction and coaching. Rafael's dedication to teaching extended to providing individual and group lessons for pitching, fielding, and hitting.

Though his professional playing career may have had its challenges, his impact on the sport and his dedication to coaching continue to inspire those around him.

• High School: 5-year varsity experience from Long Island, New York – All-Conference Honors
• College: S.U.N.Y College at Cortland
• Baseball Experience: Played 3+ years in Minors at various levels
• ●Coaching/Instruction Experience from ages 6 through College Prep:
  • Both Group and Individual Hitting Instructor for town and competitive travel teams including girls fastpitch
  • Tee Ball
  • Little League
  • Youth Select/Travel Team (8u, 9u, 10u, 12u, 13u, 15u, College Prep)
    • Multiple Perfect Game Championships
    • New York Elite Baseball
    • Cooperstown Dreams Park 2019 Week 13 Champions
    • PBR

With over two decades of coaching experience and a lifelong passion for baseball, Coach Kel has dedicated his life to teaching the game he's loved since he was 8 years old. Since 2000, he's been proudly coaching in New York City, working with players of all ages and skill levels—many of whom have gone on to compete at high school, collegiate, and even professional levels.

More than just drills and wins, his coaching is rooted in connection, patience, and understanding. He believes in meeting players where they are, helping them grow not only as athletes but also as young people. He has a natural ability to teach kids in ways that click—whether they're beginners learning the fundamentals or advanced players fine-tuning their game. In return, he's found some of his greatest lessons have come from the kids themselves.

His love for baseball goes beyond the field—it's a language, a bond, and a classroom. He's especially drawn to the strategy of the game—pitch sequences, defensive positioning, situational hitting—and he's enjoyed teaching these mental aspects to help players become smarter and more confident on the field.

At heart, he's an educator who uses baseball as a vehicle for life lessons, growth, and connection. Whether we're turning double plays or learning how to handle adversity, the goal is always the same: to build up young people with skills that last far beyond the diamond.

Matthew Arduino grew up with a love for baseball. At the high school level, he spent two years on Norwalk High School's varsity team. He spent time after college coaching Fall ball teams as well as coaching teams for disabled adults. Matt has also grown a passion for the health and fitness side of the game by spending four years as a fitness instructor/coach. When he isn't coaching baseball, he works as an aide for adults with disabilities. He is passionate about helping others on and off the field, shown through his compassion and energy!

Matt also works at East Coast as a Certified Personal Trainer with expert rating/NASM certifications.

Jonathan Sica lives with a passion for health and fitness. As a NASM certified personal trainer he strives to help clients reach their goals. From weight loss and muscle building to athletic performance and conditioning, he is there every step of the way. He has also spent the majority of his life playing baseball, spending 3 years on Yorktown High School's varsity team. He earned all league, all state, and comeback player of the year his final season at Yorktown. He's looking forward to channeling his passion for baseball through coaching.

Coach Liam was a 3 sport athlete at Byram Hills High School (football, swimming, & baseball). He played baseball all 4 years as a left-handed pitcher and hitter, 1st baseman and outfielder. He then went off to play at SUNY Adirondack in 2022 & 2023 before transferring to play at Eastern Nazarene College in 2024. He finished out his college career in 2025 at New England College where he earned a BA in Sports and Recreation Management. ECA's is the 3rd travel baseball organization in which he served as a baseball coach and trainer since 2023. He also continues to play and coach for the Shore Road Sluggers in the Westchester-Rockland Wood Bat League and has been recognized as All Rookie Second Team Picture (Summer 2024).

Matthew is a dedicated baseball and softball catcher with 20 years behind the plate, including 4 years of varsity-level catching, and 12 years of competitive softball experience. He is known for strong game management, defensive leadership, pitch calling, and a deep understanding of the game. He is committed to helping our ECA's teams succeed through experience, communication, and a passion for player development.

NASM certified personal trainer who helps clients reach their goals through weight loss, muscle building, and athletic conditioning.

Certified Personal Trainer with NASM certification, combining a baseball background with fitness coaching.

20+ years of athletic experience, now coaching clients of all levels toward their fitness goals.

Lisa is a highly experienced group fitness instructor with over 25 years of teaching. With a passion for helping people achieve their fitness goals, Lisa has dedicated her career to motivating and inspiring participants to reach their full potential.

Lisa believes in the power of group fitness to create a supportive and motivating environment that encourages people to push past their limits and achieve their goals.

One of Lisa's core beliefs is that everyone has the power to create positive change in their lives. She reflects this in her motto, “Life has no remote, so get up and make the change,” which encourages people to take action and make the most out of every opportunity.

As a fitness instructor, Lisa is committed to helping her participants improve their physical fitness, but they also understand the importance of mental and emotional well-being. She strives to create a positive and inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome and supported.

Over the years, Lisa has helped countless individuals achieve their fitness goals and improve their overall quality of life. Her dedication and passion for her work are evident in every class she teaches, and she is always looking for new ways to inspire and motivate participants.